Real Madrid completed a stunning 2-1 turnaround against Bayern Munich to book themselves in another Champions League final.
It’s a match that saw two of England’s finest talents in Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham battle for the coveted showcase, with the latter coming out on top in dramatic circumstances.
After 88 minutes of a close-fought battle, it was Joselu who emerged as the unlikely hero for Madrid as he scored two goals in three minutes to complete a stunning turnaround in a 3-2 aggregate win.
Bayern took the lead midway through the second-half when Alphonso Davies fired in a fine strike following a swift counter-attack.
Madrid thought they levelled the scoring moments later but after VAR reviewed the goal, Nacho Fernandez was adjudged to have fouled Joshua Kimmich in the area and it was disallowed.
However, with two minutes left on the clock, former Stoke striker Joselu capitalised on a mistake from Manuel Neuer to equalise.
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The comeback was completed in stoppage-time as their hero off the bench netted once again – Antonio Rudiger’s pass across the box found Joselu and he bundled it in.
VAR came into play as it was initially called offside but when replays showed that he was onside and the goal was given, wild scenes were sparked in the Santiago Bernabeu.
Bayern thought they sent the tie to extra-time with an even later goal but the linesman flagged for offside before it hit the back of the net, with the visitors incensed at the decision.
The result means Kane, who was surprisingly substituted moments before Madrid’s equaliser, missed out on a dream final at Wembley Stadium and has to wait even longer for his first senior trophy.
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Bayern had already missed out on silverware on three occasions this season, first of which came in Kane’s debut in their DFL-Supercup loss to RB Leipzig.
They were then knocked out of the DFB-Pokal and failed to win the Bundesliga title for the first time since 2012 as they fell behind Bayer Leverkusen.
Champions League success was all they had to play for until the end of the season but Bayern won’t be heading to London on June 1, with Kane just moments away from playing in a final before their collapse.
Madrid on the other hand will, and will face Borussia Dortmund in the showcase at Wembley Stadium.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have already won the Spanish Super Cup and LaLiga this season so could complete a treble in the coming weeks.
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Victory in the final against Dortmund would also see them lift their 15th title in the Champions League.
It’s a record that may never be eclipsed as they continue their stunning European dominance, with Madrid also playing their role in another dramatic night in the competition.
Bellingham could also cap off a fine first season at the club with yet another trophy, doing so fittingly at the home of English football and against his former club.
